Unlike Haruhi, I didn't need hair extensions... and I didn't need to worry about going under-cover and trying to fix Kasuka and her fiance's relationship. Instead, I was instructed to dress and continue dancing; with some of the Host members! If I wasn't nervous enough before I was about to die of it now! We were shoved back into the Club-room and Haruhi was already dressing. Without choice, I was hurtled into one of the dressing chambers and a lovely, far-too-expensive pink dress followed. Still bewildered, I didn't even get a word of protest in before I heard Haruhi slide into her outfit, Kyouya was speaking on the other side of the curtains.
"A little accident before the end of the night would be quite thrilling. And remember Haruhi, there are only 20 minutes until the party reaches its climax. Suzushima is already waiting for you in the classroom across the hall" he said matter-of-factly.
I glanced to the curtains with a sigh, looking at my reflection.
"Remind me again why I'm being dragged into this?"
The twins were the ones who answered first.
"Boss' word is the word of all of us-"
"So if he wants you to play pretend, you play pretend."
I heard Haruhi's curtain open and I peeked out, hair still in that bedraggled pony-tail, glancing at her. The boys quickly helped her to a mirror, doing her make-up as I stepped out, scrunching my wavy hair into curls with my fingers.
"You have to ask him how he feels, okay?"
"Uhhh... we know this is the Boss' strategy but it's kind of unsettling.."
Mori stepped in for me, using a curler to make my hair springier. JUST as the doors were flung open revealing a determined Tamaki.
"Gentlemen! Here you all are; what are you doing!? The guests are waiting for-"
Tamaki was cut off in the middle of his rant as I glanced over. Haruhi also turned around and we both stared at him with the same expression kind of confused. I didn't quite understand the flush on his face and he kind of just stood, dumb-struck and grinning. Exhaling softly, his smile drew up on one corner and I flushed a little admiring the lop-sided grin. For such an obnoxious, control-freak, self-obsessed nut-case... he looked really cute that way...
The twins slid up on either side of Tamaki, smiling grandly at their work. Haruhi did indeed look lovely.. I didn't get to see what I looked like yet.
"So, what do you think!?"
"Haru-chan, you look so cute!"
Hone squealed. I stayed back between him and Mori, frowning and clutching my hands together in front of my dress, faintly upset. I shouldn't be surprised that she was getting complimented and not me... After-all, she NEEDED to look believable. I was just a back-up... Haruhi was swinging her arms and marching in a ridiculous manner, complaining bluntly.
"My face feels heavy, and it's hard to walk in these shoes!"
I glanced down to my heels and frowned; for it wasn't so for me. The twins fist-pumped in unison, speaking at once again, watching her ascend the hall.
"Good luck Haruhi!"
But I looked away and to the side as Tamaki squeaked.
"I can't believe... she's so pretty!"
Of course they favored her... she was always so much prettier than me... I love you sister... I really do... but you must understand... I turned away from the boys, my face shadowed and I kicked off my heels starting to skulk the other way. None of them noticed; figures... That I was never as strong as you... I walked past the mirror, and open a door on the far-side of the room. I just barely heard Tamaki begin to pipe up in protest, noticing I wasn't beside the rest of them, but the door was already shut behind me, leaving me in the darkened corridors of the school. I shivered and with a frown, jaw set, I began to run; run down the hall and towards any sort of escape. I'm sorry... my thoughts cried. I am leaving; for now, I cannot bear it!
Wow... the cherry blossoms really were quite the sight... I had ended up careening into random doors and down flights of stairs, nearly killing myself running with nothing but my bare feet but now here I was, outside of the academy and amidst thousands upon thousands of falling Sakura petals. I don't even remember how long I had been running, or why and from what... the over-all serenity depicted here drove me away from my thoughts, and it was calming me too. Doubled-over and panting I strained to catch my dress, glancing forward and behind me. Shit! I had no clue where I was! Slowly straightening up, I surveyed the area with a little more caution. All I could see was the Sakura trees; not even a single gap between them. Glancing down at my feet I frowned seeing I wasn't even on the original path I had followed... what a shame... Maybe I should start back- There's nothing left for you there... I started, eyes widening at the thought. Was it true?... They only ever wanted your sister... they don't need you.. it's all just a scam. I frowned, trying to push back the voice, but it was stubbornly insistent. You're nothing but an additive... You've seen the way they look at her... My eye-lids dropped a bit and I cast my gaze back to my feet, ashamed with myself. They don't even LIKE you... filthy rich bastards... You're wrong! Another part of me shouted... but with the voice echoing in my head, the thought was gone as quickly as it had come. My jaw tightened and my fists clenched, grabbing at the rich satin of the dress and I tugged, not caring if I tore it. Step...step...step... Someone was walking towards me. ...step...step... step... They were closer... Why were they moving so easily and so slow? Step... silence... Head still bowed, a pair of large, strong arms hugged me from behind and I glanced over my shoulder, tears brimming in my eyes. There was Mori; sweet, silent, dependable Mori with a blank expression on his face.
"Come on..." he murmured.
I frowned, lip quivering and was embarrassed to find myself clinging to him like a lost child. I stifled my sobs but still managed to ruin my make-up; so I voiced this.
"M-M-Mori-san... I-I can't go back there looking like this!" I bawled.
He glanced down and me and swept me up into his arms, starting to walk the other way, calmly.
"It's okay... the party's over... You will be safe..."
Safe?... The word was so unusual ringing in my ears... so alarming, and yet calming at the same time... I eventually gave up trying to riddle if he really meant it and cuddled up to his warmer chest wearily.
"Besides..."
He piped up in a softer undertone.
"You look very beautiful tonight... Michi..."
I felt my heart skip a beat and my eyes fly wide open until I had forced them shut again, afraid I would cry. For ONCE in my damned life... I didn't feel so... second-class.